Mennonite College of Nursing

Caitlyn Burton-Gowler ’21, M.S. ’23

Caitlyn is a registered nurse at Westminster Village in Bloomington, and was previously employed as a labor and delivery nurse at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. She also worked as a nurse at Liberty Village of Clinton.

Compassionate and purposeful care are a trademark of her work, as she listens intently to patients and interacts with them in such a way that they are put at ease. Dedication and commitment also define Caitlyn, who provides community service to vulnerable individuals and advocates for their needs to be met. She received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization Early Career Achievement Alumni Award in 2023.

Alix Gerringer ’13

Alix began her career as an inpatient surgical trauma unit nurse at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital. Seven years after leaving campus, her active life as a nurse, wife, and mom changed when she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. She developed septic shock and lost blood flow to her hands and feet, which were amputated in March 2020 in order to save her life. Throughout her recovery, she spoke of how she wanted to get back to working as a nurse.

Alix did return to the same position where she worked before her illness. She has regained mobility using prosthetics for her legs, with efforts to be fitted for arms ongoing. She is an encouragement and inspiration to her family, friends, coworkers, and most certainly her patients. Alix received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization Spirit of Nursing Award in 2023. 

Sandra Gibbs ’59

Sandra graduated from Mennonite School of Nursing in 1959. She is a dedicated alum who volunteers her time and participates in numerous college events. Beyond her contributions of time and talent with the college, she has been a valued volunteer at OSF St. Joseph as a patient advocate. She joined the program in 2019 and has devoted hundreds of hours listening and responding to patient concerns and needs. Her level of commitment increased in 2020 when Sandra joined the Patient/Family Advisory Council and began providing valuable input on hospital policies and practices. She received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization Service Award in 2023.

Brigitte Lamar ’94

Brigitte is the registered nurse care coordinator at the Community Health Care Clinic in Normal, which is the only free medical clinic in McLean County focused on improving care for the medically underserved. Approximately 1,200 adult patients are served annually at the clinic that does not charge for any care provided.

She is equally appreciated for her role in creating a unique opportunity at the clinic for MCN students. An excellent preceptor, she teaches our nursing students how to practice within an integrated, team-based model alongside the clinic’s primary care team. She received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization Distinguished Alumni Award in 2023.